Waymo cleared for paid rides across 18 California counties

California Public Utilities Commission approved Waymo's permit to operate paid driverless rides across 18 counties, including major metros like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, allowing operation on freeways, highways, and rural roads under varied weather conditions except widespread snow or ice.

This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Micromobility, and 16 sources have reported it between 14 Aug 2026 and 21 Aug 2026.